Ukraine strikes cripple Russian refineries, fuel crisis spreads
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- Ukraine has struck all 10 of Russia's largest oil refineries, including the Omsk facility 2,500 km from the border, deepening a nationwide fuel crisis.
- Russian drivers face hours- or days-long queues at gas stations, with some waiting up to 36 hours in cities like Chita, and others pushing cars after running out of fuel.
- Fuel resellers are exploiting shortages by selling gasoline at inflated prices and even trading spots in line for up to 35,000 rubles (€400/$460), according to social media reports.
- Russian regional authorities in Krasnodar, Irkutsk, and Pskov blame panic buying and hoarding by taxi drivers and farmers for rising demand, not supply failures.
- Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak insists Russia has enough fuel despite a 20-30% rise in demand, calling disruptions isolated and resolvable through supply restructuring.
- Residents in rural areas are switching to horses and bicycles, with horse demand surging and bicycle sales on CDEK.Shopping up 131% in June from May.
- Independent outlets and Duma member Nina Ostanina challenge the Kremlin’s narrative, warning that silent refinery outages could jeopardize grain harvests and national food security.
Why it matters: Ukraine’s sustained refinery strikes are eroding Russia’s domestic energy stability, forcing civilians and businesses to adapt amid official denials — a growing disconnect that risks deepening public distrust and economic strain just as harvest season begins, with fuel access now directly tied to food production.
